Day 294 Bam

September 29, 2015

(If we live with an open and grateful attitude, every
day will bring a gift. This is one of 365 gifts during the year I turned 70.)

Ideas
are exciting and I find them at Ignite
Baltimore events. Last night I attended with friend Shirley in Baltimore.
There was a social hour with drinks and appetizers in the foyer that buzzed
with animated conversations. Then, in the auditorium, 16 speakers presented
ideas and shared their hopes and dreams for Baltimore. Among other inspiring
speakers, Artist Michael Owen of the Baltimore Love Project talked and so did
WYPR’s Aaron Henkin who is embarking on a fascinating Baltimore project, “Out
of the Blocks.”

On
the way to the event, however, after just stopping at a red light, I was
surprised with a sudden bam from the
rear of my car. Another car had hit my new 2015 Toyota Yaris. Alas, my Yaris is no longer a virgin. On his way to a
yoga group, the other driver had probably not used extra caution needed in the beginning
rain and hydroplaned into my new car. Luckily, no one was hurt, we exchanged
information and I continued to our event—a little later than planned.

After
talking with other friends who attended Ignite
Baltimore, hearing inspirational 5-minute talks, and driving Shirley back
to her place, I began a knuckle-white drive home in a torrential downpour. With
limited visibility and necessary moves around deepening water accumulation in
some areas, I was on high alert for any potential situations that could cause a
second accident of the night. After a harrowing drive home with no further
incidents, I pulled into my driveway with a sigh of relief. Tomorrow I will
deal with insurance and car repairs.